Frosine
St. Slaughter * Sergeant
Soldiers

* This character and the soldiers may be omitted in production.

Five men, two women

Scene: Dr. Peacock's house.

Flem
Truly, Dr. Peacock, you're a clever man. I've been a pharmacist for
twenty-five years and never met a doctor who practiced medicine like
you.

Peacock
Indeed, no other doctor of my acquaintance has penetrated nature as
deeply as I have. But I don't like to praise myself; I can't stand
flattery. I want you to come home with me to discuss an important
matter. Now, has any one asked for me while I was away? TRIPPET, hey,
TRIPPET!

Trippet (entering)
How you do scream! Well, sir, what can I do for you?

Peacock
Has Lady Bellaston asked for me?

Trippet
No, sir.

Peacock
So much the better. It's a sign her medication is working. How about
Judge Glanville--has he called?

Trippet
Yes, sir.

Peacock
Good. It's to tell me that the purge I gave him yesterday has cured
him of his pleurisy.

Trippet
The poor man died during the night. His son came to tell you. He was
in a fury and cursed you and Mr. Flem. I took your part and he cussed
me out, too. Happily, I can deal with that. I listened to him very
calmly.

Peacock
What right has he to complain? I gave him the best treatment. I bled
him more than twenty times and purged him frequently. He ought to be
cured according to the books.

Trippet
And died according to bell and candle.

Peacock
Get out of here, impudence. Leave criticizing doctors to the surgeons.

(Exit Trippet.)

Flem
Between you and me, Dr. Peacock, I don't have a high opinion of that
purge.

Peacock
It worked effectively most of the time--excepting the Judge.

Flem
Also, excepting your wife who you buried last year.

Peacock
Right.

Flem
That merits some concern.

Peacock
Not at all. A good doctor pursues his calling without any regard to a
bad result. Otherwise, teaching in medical school might be called into
question and where would we be then?

Flem
That's another matter.

Peacock
I never deviate from established practice.

Flem
You do wisely.

Peacock
Well now, let's talk of the business I brought you here for. You know
I've always regarded you as my best friend.

Flem
You are right to do so. I have been a friend of your family for many
years. It was I who furnished the drugs during your father's last
illness.

Peacock
I thank you for it